BACKYARD astronomers have a fine track record when it comes to discovering heavenly bodies. Of the 200 or so new comets found every year, amateurs spot a handful of them first, and name them accordingly. Comet Hale-Bopp is a famous example. Supernovas and meteors are important targets too.
Now amateurs have a new goal. We describe how backyard telescopes can join the hunt for Earth-like planets in the habitable zone of stars (see “Dying stars hold the promise of alien life“). They may even detect the first. This raises a key question: what to call it? So far, more than 560 confirmed extrasolar planets have been designated a catalogue number based on the relevant survey or mission. Witness Kepler-10 or Corot-14. With potentially thousands of finds by amateurs on the way, the door is open for planet Sean or planet Ellie.
Topics:
